Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs in California
Senior Simulation Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor design, and biomedical engineering, with demand at every level from associate simulation engineer through principal. The largest hiring concentrations are in the Los Angeles basin, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Qualcomm maintain significant engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in California include multibody dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 35+ Senior Simulation Engineer jobs
Job Description:
CTI, a Parsons Company, is seeking a Senior AFSIM Simulation Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will use advanced computer software to analyze systems, products, and processes, and to predict outcomes. You will design and implement data-driven simulations, report results, identify issues, and recommend solutions.
What You'll Be Doing:
Script and develop scenarios within AFSIM to meet customer requirements and support system analysis
Collaborate with analysts to research, model, experiment, and analyze Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities, systems, and MBSE processes using AFSIM
Develop and implement analytical methods and simulations, with a primary focus on AFSIM scripting and scenario development.
Utilize the Next Generation Threat System (NGTS) and AFSIM for simulation and analysis tasks
Participate in weekly test status and planning meetings with US government customers
Engage in technical interchange meetings with US government customers, providing expertise in AFSIM scripting and simulation
Adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple project responsibilities effectively
Work non-standard hours and schedules as required to meet project needs
Required Clearance:
Must be a US Citizen
Must have an ACTIVE TS/SCI Clearance
What Required Skills You'll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, and 10+ years of relevant professional experience; additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Extensive experience scripting and scenario development in AFSIM (Advanced Framework for Simulation Integration and Modeling)
Experience collaborating with analysts in the research, modeling, experimentation, and analysis of DoD capabilities, systems, MBSE processes, and simulation environments
Experience developing analytical methods and simulations for system analysis
What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
Experience with simulation tools such as Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) filter and/or Tactical Data Analysis and Connectivity System
Familiarity with Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) and other Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) distributed simulation standards
Experience with Link 16 and/or Command & Control (C2) communications
Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker, CRI-O, or other containers
Experience with Kubernetes, Rancher, and related orchestration tools
Experience with Next Generation Threat System (NGTS)
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position. This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. Salary Range: $148,300.00 - $266,900.00 We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS
Financial Wellness
We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.
Work Life Harmony
Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.
Career Development
We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.
Veteran Support
We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.
Mind & Body
At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.
Health
Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.
Job Description:
CTI, a Parsons Company, is seeking a Senior AFSIM Simulation Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will use advanced computer software to analyze systems, products, and processes, and to predict outcomes. You will design and implement data-driven simulations, report results, identify issues, and recommend solutions.
What You'll Be Doing:
Script and develop scenarios within AFSIM to meet customer requirements and support system analysis
Collaborate with analysts to research, model, experiment, and analyze Department of Defense (DoD) capabilities, systems, and MBSE processes using AFSIM
Develop and implement analytical methods and simulations, with a primary focus on AFSIM scripting and scenario development.
Utilize the Next Generation Threat System (NGTS) and AFSIM for simulation and analysis tasks
Participate in weekly test status and planning meetings with US government customers
Engage in technical interchange meetings with US government customers, providing expertise in AFSIM scripting and simulation
Adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple project responsibilities effectively
Work non-standard hours and schedules as required to meet project needs
Required Clearance:
Must be a US Citizen
Must have an ACTIVE TS/SCI Clearance
What Required Skills You'll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, and 10+ years of relevant professional experience; additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Extensive experience scripting and scenario development in AFSIM (Advanced Framework for Simulation Integration and Modeling)
Experience collaborating with analysts in the research, modeling, experimentation, and analysis of DoD capabilities, systems, MBSE processes, and simulation environments
Experience developing analytical methods and simulations for system analysis
What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
Experience with simulation tools such as Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) filter and/or Tactical Data Analysis and Connectivity System
Familiarity with Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) and other Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) distributed simulation standards
Experience with Link 16 and/or Command & Control (C2) communications
Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker, CRI-O, or other containers
Experience with Kubernetes, Rancher, and related orchestration tools
Experience with Next Generation Threat System (NGTS)
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position. This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. Salary Range: $148,300.00 - $266,900.00 We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle! Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS
Financial Wellness
We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.
Work Life Harmony
Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.
Career Development
We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.
Veteran Support
We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.
Mind & Body
At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.
Health
Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.
See All 35 Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Simulation Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Simulation Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Science & Research
- Distribution & Wholesale
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior simulation engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, or equivalent industry-standard software
- Five or more years of experience developing and validating simulation models for complex engineering systems
- Experience applying model-based design or hardware-in-the-loop testing in a production or defense environment
- Ability to obtain or hold a U.S. security clearance, required by many California aerospace and defense employers
- Strong communication skills for translating simulation results into actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams
Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior simulation engineer in California?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or systems engineering, followed by several years of hands-on modeling and simulation work. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for simulation engineers, though engineers who stamp drawings or certify designs for the public may pursue Professional Engineer registration through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Employers in defense, automotive, and semiconductor sectors typically value deep domain experience and tool proficiency over general credentials.
How much do senior simulation engineers make in California?
Senior simulation engineers in California earn a median of about $130,850 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,950 for the lowest 10% to over $212,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior simulation engineers in California?
Employers hiring senior simulation engineers in California right now include NVIDIA, Muon Space, and General Motors (GM), based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, automotive electrification programs, and semiconductor firms means hiring is active at both large headquarters operations and specialized engineering centers.
Which California cities have the most senior simulation engineer jobs?
Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and San Jose have the most senior simulation engineer openings in California. The Los Angeles basin draws heavily from aerospace and defense contractors, the Bay Area is anchored by automotive electrification and semiconductor companies, and San Diego's cluster of defense systems and biomedical engineering firms keeps demand steady in that corridor as well.
Are there remote senior simulation engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused roles, since simulation engineers often need access to hardware rigs, test labs, or classified environments. About 57% of senior simulation engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with hybrid arrangements more prevalent than fully remote. Model development and post-processing work tends to be the most portable to a remote setting.
How can I get hired as a senior simulation engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate or junior simulation engineer role, often attached to a defense or automotive program that runs structured new-graduate hiring. Large California employers like Northrop Grumman and several Bay Area EV companies regularly hire new engineers into rotational or program-specific cohorts. Candidates coming from adjacent roles in test engineering, FEA analysis, or controls benefit most, and building a portfolio of simulation projects using MATLAB or ANSYS strengthens an application considerably before pursuing senior-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to senior simulation engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior simulation engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly.
See All 35 Senior Simulation Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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